Akai MPK49 49-Key MIDI Controller

Using a computer-based production studio gives you access to a literally infinite number of virtual instruments. From sampled strings to modeled analog synthesizers to fine-tuned, studio-recorded drum kits, a universe of voices and timbres is at your fingertips with a MIDI-over-USB controller keyboard. Only problem is, most controller keyboards feel less like keyboards and more like controllers. Not the Akai MPK49. Makers of the legendary MPC Music Production Center sampler-sequencers, Akai understands how important it is for electronic instruments to have the same feel and expressiveness of their acoustic predecessors. They've applied their decades of electronic music expertise to the MPK series, and the result is a USB controller that feels more like an instrument than any that have come before. Plus, Akai has added features ported right from the MPC series for a fully-featured studio tool that's equally adept as a keyboard instrument, a drum machine/sample sequencer, and the remote transport and mixing surface for your DAW.

The Keyboard Controller

The 49 full-sized keys are some of the best you can get on any USB controller, even those costing hundreds more. Semi-weighted, with pressure-sensitivity and after-touch, they grant intimate, tactile control over otherwise antiseptic virtual instruments. Keys that feel this good are sure to inspire better performances, as well as make you want to spend more time making music. Solid, responsive pitch and mod wheels add to the Akai MPK49's expressive capabilities, as do assignable inputs for expression and sustain pedals. MIDI in/out jacks allow control over hardware synths and modules as well. You can even create intricate patterns with the multi-phrase programmable arpeggiator built right into the MPK, tempo-sync-able to DAW projects or external MIDI gear.

The Controller Keyboard

Supporting MIDI Machine Control protocol, the Akai MPK49 can be used to trigger more than just notes in your DAW. A whopping 76 assignable rotary knobs, sliders, and buttons grant you hardware access to virtually any control parameter in any digital audio workstation. A dedicated transport section turns the keyboard into the nerve center of your entire studio setup. Eight sliders, buttons and rotary encoders are arranged like a mixer for intuitive control over channel level, panning and arming, should you choose. Alternately, use them to control various functions and effect parameters in plug-ins and virtual or rack-mount synthesizers. A big, backlit LCD screen clearly displays MIDI control presets and makes it easy to edit your own layouts as well.

MPC Features

Other keyboard controllers may have "trigger pads" that emulate the classic MPC, but only the Akai MPK49 has the real deal. Twelve genuine MPC pads, velocity- and pressure-sensitive, sit at the top center of the MPK. They're joined by familiar MPC functions like "full level," "12 level" and "note repeat" modes. A tap tempo control can be used to control both the note repeat and arpeggio functions in real time, and classic Akai "swing" can be applied as well. If you've ever programed on an MPC before, you'll be right at home -- and if you haven't, you'll soon understand why the MPC has been held in such high regard for so long.

If you're looking to get more musical with your computer audio software, don't settle for a USB controller that's going to get in between you and your music. Get your hands on an Akai MPK49, and rediscover the excitement, passion and fun that your music's been missing.

Power Supply: USB Cable (Included) or Akai MP6 Power Cord (Not Included - only required if using Akai MPK-49 without a computer).

Akai MPK49 49-Key MIDI Controller

Maximize your musical ideas on-stage or in the studio with the Akai MPK49 performance controller. It's ushering in an era for USB/MIDI controllers by combining a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 genuine MPC drum pads. 48 total pads are accessible via 4 pad banks. The pads feature the heart and soul of hip hop: the MPC Note Repeat function and Swing parameters. It also has its own arpeggiator, for creating quick, creative riffs in seconds.

The Akai MPK49 features MPC 'Full Level' and '12 Levels' functions on its pads, and MPC Swing can be applied to both Note Repeat and Arpeggio functions. Tap Tempo and time-division buttons allow for real-time control of Note Repeat and Arpeggio clock speeds. It delivers an amazing 76 assignable controls, with assignable inputs that include an expression pedal, footswitch, pitch bend and modulation wheel.

More than just a USB/MIDI controller, the Akai MPK49 captures the soul of your performance.

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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"Solid, practical and the best compromise."

Sound:
For a CONTROLLER it makes awesome sound...really, I can hear the midi signal as it races down the wire!
Of course this unit makes no sound on it's own, if you expected it too, you might need remedial MIDI classes.
Feature:
While apreggiators are not everyone's cup 'o tea, the MPK 49 has a pretty nice setup. For someone used to actually using a keyboard arpeggiator this one is pretty nice indeed, a real bonus for me. I do have some in my software and some in my hardware like my Waldorf Q rack, but as many know, nested loops are really quite awesome. use this function for jamming or for recording. Make some decent loops of your own to sample!
While the unit has no power switch, to me thats fine, when I boot up the computer it is ready to go! Thats a plus and seeing the keys ready to go makes me reconsider doing another 4 hour stint on World of Warcraft...like a gentle reminder, "Hey remember-you write music!".
The LED screen is large enough to read easily.The lighted pitch and mod wheels are nice to see also. The recording interface is like having an actual recorder making software recording seem even more like the 'good old days' of reel to reel or whatever. I used Otari 8 tracks and also 4 track cassette recorders, this controller moves the computer into a realistic mode for me. Less mouse work is good!
Ease of Use:
Ahhh, the interface is the very heart and soul of a controller and I condider the keys, knobs, buttons, sliders and pads to be the featured event. The large LED makes it easy to see what I am going for and the apparent reliability of the hardware eases my fear of a second rate bargain. This has several presets and I already have most of the sofware loaded up. If you are a beginner in MIDI you may have to work to get the exact setup you want. I see this controller as being just what I need for really flexible music making and sound design. There are more choices and you don't have to use them if you like it simple, what could be easier.
Quality:
The sturdy frame of the MPK 49 is way retro reminding me of my early Akai purchases, X7000 sampler and s-612 rack. Wow, this is as nice as I expected. The knobs feel very, VERY good, the sliders are better than some I have had and more than I expected in this price range. The buttons are a professional grade. That brings me to the pads and something I that I have read a few opinions on. It is normal for people to expect a LOT for their money but expecting a 2-3 thousand dollar set of pads on this is a bit unrealistic. If you REALLY want the top dog Akai pads you will pay for them. These are solid, maybe a bit hard to push but they do the job for me.
The keys feel as good as virtually every synth i every used in my life and better than most. yes, I used a T-1 before, again, for 400$ this is not a T 1 keyboard! I have to give this machine a solid 10 with NO reservations.
Value:
If I need to trigger loops with a CC or a sequence, I simple tell the MPK 49 what I need. The sliders are great for bringing a running track into a live mix, or for doing an audio mix. I did consider the Novation controller (Thanks Tweek for the reviews on selecting a controller keyboard!) but I do things my own way a LOT and the reports of wobbly and unstable joysticks and way unresponsive pads on the Novation put me off a bit. If I get a chance I will own Novation as well as this Akai. I love their older synths. This is a deal at 400$ or more.
Manufacturer Support:
I have owned several Akai products over the years and never ever needed their support. When the UPS front loader ran over my x7000 it only broke a few keys, heh they paid full price and i got another Akai. Insurance is good. Hopefully I will not use support.The Akai
website is well made and offers videos of the MPK 49, I also got a quick answer to a quest prior to making the purchase here at zZounds.
The Wow Factor:
Ahh the red and black...the warm glow of the pitch bender and modulation wheels, so smooth to my touch so attractive. I must touch this machine and my music will touch someone, somewhere. It says Professional right on it.Mmmm!
Overall:
I have had a bad case of gear lust for years, my FIZMO still has the original box, my Micro modular too. Wait- all my gear has the original packaging some after 10 years +. Think about that. This buy was researched for days and I put a lot of consideration into all the choices in controllers available, the price was right and the specifications. Cubase LE is a nice addition to my software also. It works just as it is, no need to upgrade if you are happy with it. I used Cubase when it was first out. And performer...
I bought this realising that two octaves of keys were not enough for me, 88 keys too big. I am used to 60 key controller but space is at a premium until I get a larger recording area.(A recent move to the far North!) 49 keys fit right in front of my monitor and my computer keyboard is in front of the MPK. Compromise is not a very popular idea with some people, I first started programming semi modular equipment back when patch cords were used. I miss my old gear sometimes and if I placed some of the newer stuff side by side I would find both good and bad about then all. Digital Music that is recorded at a high digital resolution is DIFFERENT from music recorded on analog gear from analog sources then mastered on tape and pressed to vinyl...better or worse? That a matter of taste. We live in a digital age and even high quality computer music is reduced to a grinding 128k sample rate or even lower for many consumers/listeners. I am making the most of what I have and what I can obtain, that is both technology and inspiration/ability.
At some point we all decide what we need and not always what a reviewer thinks. Keyboard magazine and E Musician hardly EVER saw a piece of gear is horrible. Yes, they do try and give all the takes on a piece of equipment but they depend on the advertiser. I am being objective here and gain nothing other than knowing I may help someone make a good choice. Now I have pads, sliders, buttons and endless rotary knobs as well as keys all in a piece of gear that fits on the desk in front of me. I consider my studio to be connected through the computer/mixing board to my main controller. All that comes between me and my musical creativity is this keyboard... I can place my rack gear and other synths on the sides when I am ready for that. Setting up a workable home studio is an art.

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Akai MPK49 Controller Customer Review

Sound:
No sounds
Feature:
My only complaint about this keyboard is the pads. You have to push them down hard to get to full volume. So if your used playing on a more tap-able interface this is a no go. I was hoping to use them to play drums but it's actually easier on the keyboard. Beyond that it's a really nice solid keyboard.
Ease of Use:
Plugged into USB, no power needed. Added it to my midi devices. Opened Reason, set the keyboard preset to Reason and that's it, what ever instrument I selected was mapped to the knobs and sliders. If you were around in the 90's when getting your audio/midi/hardware/software all working at once required sacrificing a goat, you know this is pretty amazing.
Quality:
Feels like a real keyboard, not a toy. It's fairly heavy, the sliders and buttons are substantial.
Value:
Considering how well it's built and that it's a well thought out piece of gear, not just a collection "features" it's cheap.
Manufacturer Support:
No need for support yet, but signs are good. They've upgraded their software and firmware (which means it's an ongoing product and the company has an interest in supporting it).
The Wow Factor:
Fix the pads and it's a 10. It looks cool and it works well.
Overall:
I'd like to give it a higher rating but the pads are just flat out wrong. I've used lot's of drum pads and these just don't work.

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